Control system for a hydrogen generator

Abstract

A method and apparatus for use in generating hydrogen are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fuel processor capable of producing a reformate from a fuel; a hydrogen purifier capable of generating a purified hydrogen gas stream from the reformate; a compressor capable of providing the reformate from the fuel processor to the pressure swing adsorption unit at a desired pressure; and a control system capable of integrating and controlling the operation of the fuel processor, the pressure swing adsorption unit, and the compressor. In another aspect, the invention includes a method for controlling the operation of a purified hydrogen generator, the method comprising: controlling the operation of a hydrogen generator; controlling the operation of a hydrogen purifier; and synchronizing the controlled operation of the hydrogen generator with the controlled operation of the hydrogen purifier.

Description

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 407,488, entitled “Architectural Hierarchy of Control for a Fuel Processor,” filed Apr. 19, 2003, in the name of the inventors Vesna R. Mirkovic et al., and commonly assigned herewith.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention is directed to a fuel processor, and, more particularly, to a control system for a fuel processor. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Fuel cell technology is an alternative energy source for more conventional energy sources employing the combustion of fossil fuels. A fuel cell typically produces electricity, water 313, and heat from a fuel and oxygen. More particularly, fuel cells provide electricity from chemical oxidation-reduction reactions and possess significant advantages over other forms of power generation in terms of cleanliness and efficiency. Typically, fuel cells employ hydrogen as the fuel and oxygen as the o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This solution simplifies the control of fuel processor systems, enabling more efficient and stable hydrogen production regardless of fuel type, improving the operational stability and flexibility of fuel cell systems.

Problems solved by technology

A significant disadvantage which inhibits the wider use of fuel cells is the lack of a widespread hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen has a relatively low volumetric energy density and is more difficult to store and transport than the hydrocarbon fuels currently used in most power generation systems.

Although fuel cells have been around for over a hundred years, the technology is still considered immature.

The reasons for this state are many and difficult.

However welcome the heightened pace of development may be, it presents problems of its own.

Fuel cell designs, particularly those with fuel processors, are typically complex.

The sheer number of factors, in itself, makes control of this temperature a difficult task.

Furthermore, a change in fuel type—for example, from natural gas to hydrogen—dramatically affects all these variables.

Thus, the difficult control problem is exacerbated as the fuel processor design changes.

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